MSNBC hosts think Rick Perry’s decision to snub Obama is… justified?

posted at 9:21 am on July 8, 2014 by Noah Rothman

Texas Gov. Rick Perry will not meet President Barack Obama on the tarmac when he touches down in Texas on Wednesday to attend a variety of Democratic fundraising events. Instead of a handshake and a photo op, Perry said that he wants to meet privately with the president to discuss the ongoing humanitarian crisis at the border.

“I appreciate the offer to greet you at Austin-Bergstrom Airport, but a quick handshake on the tarmac will not allow for a thoughtful discussion regarding the humanitarian and national security crises enveloping the Rio Grande Valley in South Texas,” Mr. Perry wrote in a letter to the president Monday. “I would instead offer to meet with you at any time during your visit to Texas for a substantive meeting to discuss this critical issue.”

On Tuesday, the hosts of MSNBC’s Morning Joe weighed in on Perry’s refusal to meet the president and, rather than criticizing him for a display of political self-interest and a failure to observe decorum, suggested that he was actually justified in seeking a more substantive meeting with Obama.

“I actually don’t have a complete problem with his statement,” co-host Mika Brzezinski said of Perry’s request.

“It’s the president that just wants the photo op, he just wants the quick and easy handshake, when he has Democrats in his own party saying, ‘There is, in fact, a humanitarian crisis on the border’ and talking about Katrina moments,” host Joe Scarborough said.

“It looks like Rick Perry does have the upper hand when he’s saying basically the same thing Democratic congressmen from the same state [are] saying,” he continued, noting that the “optics” of failing to go to the border is politically perilous for Obama.

Time’s Mark Halperin agreed with both hosts. “I think his schedule will change some way,” he predicted. “Bet on that.”

“Katrina was a shared responsibility on the federal government – state and local government. This is really a federal issue,” he continued. “it’s a humanitarian crisis involving kids, and I think governance matters.”

Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-TX) and USA Today reporter Susan Page have observed that Obama runs the risk of encountering his “Katrina moment” in Texas. As Dave Weigel noted in Slate, hyperbolic members of the press declared Obama that has met his “Katrina moment” in at least eight other crises over the course of his presidency, and each time the president emerges from that crisis politically scarred but still standing.

Why this crisis may have the effect on Obama’s image that Bush’s approach to Hurricane Katrina did is not, as Halperin suggested, a jurisdictional one – whether state, federal, or local authorities abdicated their responsibilities the most. Nor is it, as the many profiled in Weigel’s piece seemed to think, merely a suboptimal response to a crisis. It was Bush’s apparently flippant and casual response to the crisis culminating in two atonal moments which turned a majority of voters off to the president for the rest of his term; the photograph of him flying over the devastation in New Orleans and the infamous moment when he praised FEMA director Michael Brown’s performance in the midst of that crisis.

Obama won’t repeat Bush’s optical mistakes. He is likely to amend his schedule so that he can take in the scene at the border himself where the cameras will find him engaged and making few statements. The president’s approach to this crisis thus far, however, has been aloof, distant, and callous. In that sense, this present crisis does have the potential to have the same effect on Obama’s favorability and job approval ratings as Hurricane Katrina had on Bush.

Obama can still reverse that course and present himself as a leader managing a humanitarian disaster, but he hasn’t done that yet.

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Before Obama can have a “Katrina moment” there would need to be a media both capable of and willing to hold Obama accountable for ANYTHING AT ALL. As it is the media have thus far done everything in their power to protect and defend Obama. As long as he has just such a sycophant media he will never have a “Katrina moment”.

“It’s the president that just wants the photo op, he just wants the quick and easy handshake, when he has Democrats in his own party saying, ‘There is, in fact, a humanitarian crisis on the border’ and talking about Katrina moments,” host Joe Scarborough said.

Obama was hoping for a Chris Christie moment where Rick Perry gives him a big old hug and gushes about how much the lazy stupid rat-eared wonder is giving him.

I do think this has become enough of a story that Obama will have to do a photo-op visit to the border or one of the holding pens DHS has to house the parasites. Even as we speak, I am sure some WH staffer is on the scene picking out the most pathetic looking “migrants” to use as props for some sort of a statement demanding that Congress obey his absurd demands for billions to respond to this situation he refuses to call a humanitarian crisis.

Obama can still reverse that course and present himself as a leader managing a humanitarian disaster, but he hasn’t done that yet.

The problem is merely expressing concern about it or doing a photo-op at the border is not enough. That’s not gonna stop the neverending stream of illegals coming into this country. Obama’s M.O. has been to express outrage and ignorance over these crises and scandals while doing nothing about them behind closed doors. And for the most part, he’s gotten away with it since the media is more than willing to not cover these stories.

But when we’re dealing with the bodies of dead veterans continuing to pile up in the case of the VA or hundreds of thousands of illegals(including young, abandoned children) pouring into the country, something actually has to be done to fix the problem. And Obama is either unwilling or incapable of this.

At what point will folks get it? 0 loves this and has helped greatly to orchestrate all of it. Might be time to stop listening to the media’s portrayal of events and actually consider your own lying eyes for a change.

Despite the fact that the Katrina disastrous aftermath was exactly the OPPOSITE in nature, (as for guilt), I can see their point concerning assigning blame.

pambi on July 8, 2014 at 9:32 AM

The Katrina disaster was going to happen as it did even if Ronald Reagan was President, because Louisiana had two people who are rivaled only by Obama in incompetence and corruption in charge, Governor Kathleen Blanco (DEMOCRAT-Louisiana) and Mayor Ray “Schoolbus” Nagin (DEMOCRAT formerly of Louisiana, currently of PRISON).

The only solution would have also been unpalatable, and that would have been a Federal martial law declaration, allowing Bush to work without dealing with them…

BTW, there should be more discussion about the way DHS is muzzlng the media during tours of the holding pens where the parasites are being housed:

- No recording devices will be allowed
- No questions will be allowed during the tour
- No interacting with staff and children at the shelter
- We ask that your questions be provided via email or phone after the tour to Kenneth Wolfe
- HHS ACF public affairs will provide answers to your follow up questions as quickly as possible
- We will provide photos of the facility after the tour
- There will be no on-site interviews by HHS staff before or after the tour, all inquiries go to Kenneth Wolfe

In other words, there is no freedom to report any story other than that the administration wants reported. Perry should double down and stand at the border and demand the filthy bastard stop fundraising long enough to see what his policies have wrought on the nation.

“Katrina was a shared responsibility on the federal government – state and local government. This is really a federal issue,” he continued. “it’s a humanitarian crisis involving kids, and I think governance matters.”

Earth to Halperin—-when the federal government purposely ignores the plight of what’s happening on Texas’ borders, it becomes a state issue.

I don’t understand why Perry can’t simply call up the Texas National Guard and send them to the border…all of them…

PatriotRider on July 8, 2014 at 9:34 AM

That is a good question since The Posse Comitatus Act very specifically does not apply to the States National Guard in emergency law enforcement situations.

The Posse Comitatus Act is the United States federal law (18 U.S.C. § 1385, original at 20 Stat. 152) that was passed on June 18, 1878, after the end of Reconstruction and was updated in 1981. Its intent (in concert with the Insurrection Act of 1807) was to limit the powers of Federal government in using federal military personnel to enforce the state laws.

The Act, as modified in 1981, refers to the Armed Forces of the United States. It does not apply to the National Guard under state authority from acting in a law enforcement capacity within its home state or in an adjacent state if invited by that state’s governor.

Obama can still reverse that course and present himself as a leader managing a humanitarian disaster, but he hasn’t done that yet.

This greatest of challenges depends on the MSM being able to keep shoveling the horse manure certain of the pony underneath, well unicorn. It is a most depressing endeavor as I’m sure its just our tax dollar at work.
The whole industry has been shovel ready for so long now, it makes sense every once and awhile some stop and go,”Whew! Do you ever get used to the smell?” Just a dodge. They’re well paid, they’ll go back to shoveling shortly.
Watched a speck of Charlie Rose last night and his drone guests complaining the lack of centralized narrative because of Fox, internet. They lament about it causing the great divide.
The government whining about their lack of Orwellian power, paid for by… me. You.

I don’t understand why Perry can’t simply call up the Texas National Guard and send them to the border…all of them…

PatriotRider on July 8, 2014 at 9:34 AM

That is a good question since The Posse Comitatus Act very specifically does not apply to the States National Guard in emergency law enforcement situations.

If a Governor calls out the National Guard then the state has to pay. That’s why Presidents declare National Emergencies when a disaster hits – if it’s in response to a National Emergency the federal gov’t assumes the cost.

If left to his own devices, Obama would’ve gone down to Texas, done his fundraisers, and left without so much as a backwards glance toward the border. Democrats didn’t want to be on the sticky end of the lollypop when that happened, hence their mild criticism now.

Before Obama can have a “Katrina moment” there would need to be a media both capable of and willing to hold Obama accountable for ANYTHING AT ALL. As it is the media have thus far done everything in their power to protect and defend Obama. As long as he has just such a sycophant media he will never have a “Katrina moment”.

oscarwilde on July 8, 2014 at 9:31 AM

Exactly. And should a “Katrina Moment” for obama occur, it will quickly devolve into a week-long rehash about how Bush screwed up…and will take all the focus off of obama. Pretty much like the recent events in Iraq and ISIS.

If a Governor calls out the National Guard then the state has to pay. That’s why Presidents declare National Emergencies when a disaster hits – if it’s in response to a National Emergency the federal gov’t assumes the cost.

kcewa on July 8, 2014 at 9:44 AM

Well, then stop funding worthless art projects, “light rail” and other garbage and transfer the money to this use. After all, protecting the CITIZENS is the FIRST duty of any state, indeed, it’s VERY JUSTIFICATION FOR EXISTING AND IMPOSING TAXES in the first place isn’t it?

Probably one of those visits like the “family trip” to look at oil blobs in Florida. The First Yeti was clearly pissed off that she had to spend time on the beach with Americans ahead of her trip to Spain that is so expensive the actual tab is still classified by the DoD.

Probably one of those visits like the “family trip” to look at oil blobs in Florida. The First Yeti was clearly pissed off that she had to spend time on the beach with Americans ahead of her trip to Spain that is so expensive the actual tab is still classified by the DoD.

Happy Nomad on July 8, 2014 at 9:48 AM

Be careful, it’s been known to rip people’s arms out of their sockets when it loses.

I doubt Dem O will change his plans. He can’t seem to understand that he is not “all-knowing.” This phrase, unfortunately, says it all: “The [democrat] president’s approach to this crisis thus far, however, has been aloof, distant, and callous.”

The vast majority of teachers, sociologists, child psychologists [most of who vote democrat] say children should be with their families. Well, then…. why a different tune now? Break down our country? Remember, what goes around, comes around. While many of us will pay before others, this dismantling of the greatest nation for more people ever, will hurt the planet.

I don’t understand why Perry can’t simply call up the Texas National Guard and send them to the border…all of them…

PatriotRider on July 8, 2014 at 9:34 AM

Money. When the Governor calls up the Guard the State covers the entire tab. He could do it, at least for a brief time but it wouldn’t last long and things would go back exactly as they were before with money spent for nothing.

If a Governor calls out the National Guard then the state has to pay. That’s why Presidents declare National Emergencies when a disaster hits – if it’s in response to a National Emergency the federal gov’t assumes the cost.

kcewa on July 8, 2014 at 9:44 AM

As a Texan, my response to this is ‘so be it’.

I can’t think of anything the state should be paying for that’s more important at this precise moment in time.

“Katrina moment” ? Is that where President Bush asked Governor Blanco and Mayor Nagin days before the storm that they should evacuate and ask for federal military assistance because he could not order it due to Posse Comitatus? Then democrat politicians said no because they did not want to give Bush and credit for planning. And of course years before they took the federal funds to shore up and maintain the retaining walls and built bike paths. Or that President Bush did not go to Katrina and interrupt resources in the emergency. Or where Oprah and the police chief claimed there were dead bodies in refrigerators in the Super Dome and babies were being raped? Or where Republican counties handled the crisis without all the gimme and blame? Or where the Coast Guard took control from the local lazies and saved lives. Or where Houston and others in red state Texas gave heroic help and resources without complaint?

I don’t understand why Perry can’t simply call up the Texas National Guard and send them to the border…all of them…

PatriotRider on July 8, 2014 at 9:34 AM

Funding. Guard budgets are compromised of both Federal and state monies. You know the Federal money isn’t coming and the additional state money has to go through Austin. Moreover, the Guard are still Federal troops and the Commander-in-Chief can supercede the order of a Governor. Further, are you going to arm and grant them police powers? It starts getting difficult there.

After all, protecting the CITIZENS is the FIRST duty of any state, indeed, it’s VERY JUSTIFICATION FOR EXISTING AND IMPOSING TAXES in the first place isn’t it?

ConstantineXI on July 8, 2014 at 9:48 AM

The ONLY duty and justification. The thing is – Texas already has a budget. By law it can’t exceed that budget and run a deficit. The cost of Mobilizing the National Guard even for a short period is probably way more than the total budget of Texas. If the Texas National Guard is even big enough to make a difference.

The president’s approach to this crisis thus far, however, has been aloof, distant, and callous. In that sense, this present crisis does have the potential to have the same effect on Obama’s favorability and job approval ratings as Hurricane Katrina had on Bush.

Katrina was an Act of God. This crisis on the border is the direct, and predictable, result of Obama’s policies. He can point his finger at the Republicans all he wants – but it does NOT

I wonder if there are any protests in the works for when Obama arrives in Dallas. Hmmm.

Midas on July 8, 2014 at 9:49 AM

Aside from finding some pathetic children to use as props, I am sure that any planned trip to the border is going to be kept very quiet because protesters do not fit the narrative the administration is trying to sell.

Well, not really.
Or maybe this was a hand written note which Perry never intended to be released and broadcast…widely.
/

Governors meet Presidents when they visit States.
It’s in the handbook.
And is as clear now and it was before, Obama would be more than willing to meet with Perry for a substantive meeting.
But now Perry has assured it will be the photo opp that he’s seeking.

it’s a humanitarian crisis involving kids

If only that was what this was really about – and Perry wanted to substantively address that issue.

What I was saying before accidentally hitting “submit.” He can point his finger at the Republicans all he wants – but it does NOT take some kind of comprehensive reform for him to do his duty and secure the damn border.

Aside from finding some pathetic children to use as props, I am sure that any planned trip to the border is going to be kept very quiet because protesters do not fit the narrative the administration is trying to sell.

Happy Nomad on July 8, 2014 at 9:57 AM

Not that – I literally mean ‘Dallas’, where he’s meeting with ‘faith leaders’ and invited Perry to join them.

I don’t understand why Perry can’t simply call up the Texas National Guard and send them to the border…all of them…

PatriotRider on July 8, 2014 at 9:34 AM

Because it will be treated in the media as a racist redneck ploy just as similar call-ups during the Civil Rights era were and because all Obama needs to do is a pen-swipe on a Federalizing order to stop it, that’s why.

The Congress shall have Power To …provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining, the Militia, and for governing such Part of them as may be employed in the Service of the United States, reserving to the States respectively, the Appointment of the Officers, and the Authority of training the Militia according to the discipline prescribed by Congress….

ARTICLE I, SECTION 8, CLAUSE 16

The President has authority over state militia ONLY when called into the service of the United States, and that only after Congress has called them…

Governors meet Presidents when they visit States.
It’s in the handbook.
And is as clear now and it was before, Obama would be more than willing to meet with Perry for a substantive meeting.
verbaluce on July 8, 2014 at 9:57 AM

Obama comes to Seattle every month or so. The Governor never meets him.

If only that was what this was really about – and Perry wanted to substantively address that issue.

verbaluce on July 8, 2014 at 9:57 AM

If Obama was serious he would declare a National Emergency and call out the National Guard. He doesn’t need a “Christie bear-hug photo-op” to do that

I don’t understand why Perry can’t simply call up the Texas National Guard and send them to the border…all of them…

PatriotRider on July 8, 2014 at 9:34 AM

Because it will be treated in the media as a racist redneck ploy just as similar call-ups during the Civil Rights era were and because all Obama needs to do is a pen-swipe on a Federalizing order to stop it, that’s why.

The “heck of a job Brownie” was not a media fabrication. The fact that he initially did a fly-over the effected area WAS a media fabrication.

The MSM is going to paint this as an unexpected humanitarian crisis even though it was fabricated intentionally by this administration.

Happy Nomad on July 8, 2014 at 9:59 AM

One constant in the Bush administration was that he had a lot of idiots that he put into important positions not because of their capability but because of their LOYALTY to the Bush clan. People like Harriet Miers, for example, as well as FEMA director Mike Brown.

The President has authority over state militia ONLY when called into the service of the United States, and that only after Congress has called them…

ConstantineXI on July 8, 2014 at 10:01 AM

They delegated that to the President I think:

The National Defense Act, 1916 guaranteed the State militias as the primary reserve force; gave the President the authority to mobilize the Guard during war or national emergency; made use of the term “National Guard” mandatory; authorized drill pay for the first time.

The National Defense Act of 1916 further expanded the Guard’s role and guaranteed the State militias’ status as the Army’s primary reserve force. Furthermore, the law mandated use of the term “National Guard” for that force. Moreover, the President was given authority, in case of war or national emergency, to mobilize the National Guard for the duration of the emergency.

Don’t worry. Mr. Obama will go to the border. He will make empty pathos pleas that lack substance. He will deflect and demur from the real issue: that he has created this crisis as a means of achieving political ends. That has been his sine qua non in every crisis he has overseen or created.

Now, even children are used as props in his misadventures and nary a word from the media.

This will also come back to haunt our country and communities. It will not only overwhelm our services, schools and hospitals. It will create a waive of crime and threaten our national security. Amongst and lost in the “children” are foreign nationals, gang members and people from terrorist organizations who long ago were known to be using our southern border as an entry point.

Just curious. When the next terrorist attack is perpetrated by foreigners who penetrated our southern border- will Democrats tell the families of victims it was “Republicans fault”?

And has anybody seen or heard Mitch McConnell or John Boehner? Oh that’s right. They are doing the political calculations for $2 billion the president is requesting for his self-made “crisis’.

Just pointing out the realities of the situation, Midas. Our system (and no political system on Earth) was not designed to withstand a Chief Executive who openly detests and wants to destroy the country he governs.

The only reason O is having this meeting is to have the taxpayers pay most of the bill for his little fund raising trip.

RickB on July 8, 2014 at 10:03 AM

Which is something in the law that must change. $1.4 BILLION a year is FAR TOO MUCH for the taxpayers to spend to feed, clothe and keep the first family. They are provided adequate quarters in DC. They are provided a vacation spot (Camp David) that is MORE than adequate. If the President is going to use AF1 to attend a fundraiser he should not be able to do one brief “official function” to justify charging the taxpayers for the trip, the percentage of the trip SPENT FOR FUNDRAISING should have to be paid by the President or his party.

Governors meet Presidents when they visit States.
It’s in the handbook.
And is as clear now and it was before, Obama would be more than willing to meet with Perry for a substantive meeting.
verbaluce on July 8, 2014 at 9:57 AM

Obama comes to Seattle every month or so. The Governor never meets him.

kcewa on July 8, 2014 at 10:02 AM

I’m sure he often does.
And when he doesn’t…does he draft a Perry-esque press release?
Save the faux indignation.
Politics.
That’s all.
Perry should go have a grown up conversation with the Prez.
Enough with the silly antics.

Just pointing out the realities of the situation, Midas. Our system (and no political system on Earth) was not designed to withstand a Chief Executive who openly detests and wants to destroy the country he governs.

ebrown2 on July 8, 2014 at 10:07 AM

This is true. You can’t build a safeguard into a Republic against an electorate hellbent on the DESTRUCTION of the Republic.

I honestly thing the LSM is starting to go into PANIC!!! mode because THEY are finally starting to realize he’s not as brilliant as he thinks he is…

ConstantineXI on July 8, 2014 at 9:54 AM

I honestly must disagree, the LSM is finally realizing that since they hitched their wagon to Obama, they are the most likely ones to be on the most aggressive receiving end of America’s wrath when the full measure of Obama’s malignancy becomes public knowledge. In other words, it’s just now starting to occur to them that when the torches and pitchforks come out, they are going to be target number One.

Just pointing out the realities of the situation, Midas. Our system (and no political system on Earth) was not designed to withstand a Chief Executive who openly detests and wants to destroy the country he governs.

ebrown2 on July 8, 2014 at 10:07 AM

Correct, not designed to withstand it, but it *was* designed to handle and resolve it.

“Katrina was a shared responsibility on the federal government – state and local government. This is really a federal issue,” he continued. “it’s a humanitarian crisis involving kids, and I think governance matters.”

Why no concern for the humanitarian crisis for the Americans in the towns being required to absorb these invaders? And the invaders ain’t all five year olds.

I honestly must disagree, the LSM is finally realizing that since they hitched their wagon to Obama, they are the most likely ones to be on the most aggressive receiving end of America’s wrath when the full measure of Obama’s malignancy becomes public knowledge. In other words, it’s just now starting to occur to them that when the torches and pitchforks come out, they are going to be target number One.

oscarwilde on July 8, 2014 at 10:10 AM

I’m of a mind that when the tar and feathering begins, the media should be first. Let the politicians quiver in their footies for a bit while they watch, knowing they are next.

Just pointing out the realities of the situation, Midas. Our system (and no political system on Earth) was not designed to withstand a Chief Executive who openly detests and wants to destroy the country he governs.

ebrown2 on July 8, 2014 at 10:07 AM

Correct, not designed to withstand it, but it *was* designed to handle and resolve it.

Midas on July 8, 2014 at 10:11 AM

“While our country remains untainted with the principles and manners which are now producing desolation in so many parts of the world; while she continues sincere, and incapable of insidious and impious policy, we shall have the strongest reason to rejoice in the local destination assigned us by Providence. But should the people of America once become capable of that deep simulation towards one another, and towards foreign nations, which assumes the language of justice and moderation, while it is practising iniquity and extravagance, and displays in the most captivating manner the charming pictures of candour, frankness, and sincerity, while it is rioting in rapine and insolence, this country will be the most miserable habitation in the world. Because we have no government, armed with power, capable of contending with human passions, unbridled by morality and religion. Avarice, ambition, revenge and licentiousness would break the strongest cords of our Constitution, as a whale goes through a net. Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other“-John Adams, emphasis mine